WorkSafe New Zealand Board - member role

About WorkSafe New Zealand

WorkSafe New Zealand (WorkSafe) is New Zealand’s primary workplace health and safety regulator, established under the WorkSafe New Zealand Act 2013.   

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 sets out the principles, duties and rights in relation to workplace health and safety. WorkSafe works collaboratively with other regulators, agencies, and parties who have an interest in the health, safety, and wellbeing system, to promote good workplace health and safety practices. Further information on WorkSafe can be found at: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/.

WorkSafe is a Crown agent under the Crown Entities Act 2004. The Crown Entities Act provides a framework for Crown entity governance and accountability, including responsibilities of board members, disclosure of interests, and the role of Ministers. It is available at http://www.legislation.govt.nz.

Specific skills and experience sought

At this time, the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as a member on the WorkSafe New Zealand Board who can provide the following specific skills and experience:

• depth and breadth of business and commercial expertise
• significant domestic industry networks and connections
• broad experience with workplace health, safety, and risk management frameworks.

Additionally, members of the WorkSafe New Zealand Board are expected to possess knowledge and experience of, and capability in, the following:

• proven experience in governance roles, either in public or private settings, with working knowledge of good governance practice
• financial acumen
• leadership
• strategic ability and thinking
• a clear sense of public accountability and understanding of the relationships between Government and Crown Entities
• interest in New Zealand’s work health and safety environment, including workplace illness and occupational disease
• understanding of, and ability to discuss, technological advancements, trends, and uses, both at the Board and organisational level.

Board members are appointed as individuals to deliver on their collective responsibilities and not as representatives of particular sectors or interest groups.

Member responsibilities

The Public Service Commission’s guidance sets out that Crown entity board members should:

• comply with the Crown Entities Act and all other relevant legislation
• act with honesty, integrity, in good faith, and not at the expense of the entity’s interests
• act with reasonable care, diligence, and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances)
• avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances
• provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’ expectations
• provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is managed effectively; this includes establishing an effective working relationship with the Chief Executive while also taking an independent view to challenge and test management thinking
• manage risk and ensure compliance of the entity
• attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the entity
• provide guidance and support to other board members to ensure they contribute effectively to the governance of the entity.

Board members are subject to the collective and individual duties of members set out in sections 58 and 59 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The collective duties of Board members are to ensure the Board’s functions are performed efficiently, effectively, and consistently in the spirit of the public service, and in a financially responsible manner.

Time commitment and remuneration

The Board will meet as often as is necessary to carry out its role. Meetings are generally held in Wellington. Board materials are distributed to Board members in sufficient advance of the Board meetings to allow members to be thoroughly prepared.

WorkSafe Board members are paid a fee of $41,364 per annum. In addition to fees, members are entitled to be reimbursed for actual and reasonable experiences incurred while carrying out the duties of the Board.

Further information

Applications for the member role close at midnight, 16 March 2026.

A full position description for the role can be accessed here.

For further enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz